​Over the years when I've been at the bottom of my priority list or not on it all (because life happens), I have found that taking a weekend for myself to de-stress and refocus on me is the perfect jump start to getting back on my self care daily practice, especially after a stressful time. Of course you don't have to do it just on the weekend - if two days during the week work best for you, that works too!

​“In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, if you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself. ​The point is to have a long-term perspective.” ~ Dalai Lama

Block off 2 days in your planner for YOU time. Yes all 48 hours - just for you!!​Take this time to relax, recharging your mind, body and soul. ​1. A few days prior:Make a plan for how and where (ideally in your home - but see below for some options) you will spend your 48 hours of de-stressing and focusing on you.

1. Ensure you have all the things you will need for your plan - so there will be no need to leave your home. Let your friends/family know that you will be on "self care vacation" and will get back to them afterwards. - Yes! this time is to be with YOU!!!

2. The day before:Book yourself a massage as close to the end of the day as possible. Once you are home unplug from social media,- no internet, no phones. An hour or two prior to your bedtime, turn off the television - light some candles, pour yourself a warm beverage and curl up with a book, or indulge your inner child with colouring, or perhaps a long soothing bath (my fav). Whatever you decide make sure it's not over stimulating and is calming.

3. Enjoy your 48 hours of de-stressing and refocusing on YOU!! Allow yourself to wake up naturally (no alarm clock). Stretch before getting out of bed, start your day with a glass of warm lemon water. Shower or not ... but change out of your pjs - whether into another pj or lounging wear AND make your bed. Do your morning skincare BUT do not apply any make up - give your face a chance to breath. Ease into your day according to your relaxation plan.​

​​Sometimes, when you have others living with you, it can be challenging to block off 48 hours without disruption.

But, if you are creative it can be done. Some gals have arranged sleepovers for their little ones, with family or friends; and spouses have had a weekend with their friends. For some spending their 48 hours at a hotel has been a solution. Whether you need to do your 48 hours at a hotel or chose to - below are a couple of options:​The Splurge: Spending your 48 hours at a hotel in your city ... taking advantage of room service, book spa amenities and treatments. All you have to plan is to show up with a couple of pjs, and lounging wear and whatever you plan to do between spa treatments, using spa amenities and the hotel gym. Often after the holidays and during slow travel months many hotels offer reduce rates and specials on their spa services, so be sure to shop around. And check out apps like Groupon.

The Splurge on a budget: (perfect solution if you have others who live in your home and it's less chaos if you go to a hotel) You can enjoy a hotel stay without breaking the bank ... bring the items you will need to create a DIY spa experience (same as you would for at home experience) in your hotel bathroom; bring your yoga mat; and other items that will help transform your hotel room into your personal relaxation oasis.

A 48 hour jump start is just the beginning, practicing self care on the daily will help keep you feeling your best throughout the year - and better equipped to deal with stressful situations. Below are some ideas you can easily incorporate into your day and create your own self care rituals:

Weekly meal planning

Start you day with warm lemon water

Meditate/pray , morning and/or evening

Spend an hour or two before bed doing quiet things, reading, enjoying a bath

Unplug from technology an hour prior going to bed

Listen to relaxing calming music in the evening

Get at least 7-9 hours sleep, this is the recommended amount according to the experts